Abstract:
The ornamental fish industry in Sri Lanka is a thriving industry that attracts foreign income to the
country. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted global lifestyles, trade, and the economy.
Many countries experienced an economic crisis with the end of pandemic. The objective of the
present study is to study how COVID-19 and the economic crisis impacted on Sri Lanka’s
ornamental fish industry and identify the measures that farms have taken to overcome challenges
for success. Five Divisional Secretariat Divisions in Colombo District ie: Padukka, Homagama,
Seethawaka, Kaduwela and Kesbewa, that conduct most ornamental fish culture activities were
selected. A questionnaire was used to collect primary data from 32 randomly selected farmers.
Information on present status of fish farms, variation of different categories related to ornamental
fish farms: cultured species, quantity and selling prices of fish, labour force, fish feed types,
quantity and cost, market demand, packaging and transportation, technologies used, and
common problems were collected for the three time periods: Before COVID-19, During COVID-19
and Present period. Data analyzed by calculating percentage as a proportion of total farms using
Microsoft Excel. Results show both positive and negative impacts of COVID-19 and the economic
crisis on ornamental fish farms. Unexpected growth of local market demand for ornamental fish
and reduction of export market orders were the main positive and negative impacts of COVID-19
on ornamental fish farms, respectively. The main benefit of the economic crisis for ornamental
fish farms was practicing to operate a farm with limited resources. However, the closure of
ornamental fish farms or farms being converted into other businesses were the main drawbacks
of the economic crisis on fish farms. Overall, the ornamental fish farming industry in Colombo has
faced various challenges at the first quarter of both the COVID -19 pandemic and Sri Lankan
economic crisis. However, most farms have adapted and found new opportunities for success.
